Improvised Inkwell!

I’ve been getting into dip pens lately, since they’re a cheap thrill! I’ve been purchasing dip pen nibs anywhere from $0.10 – $2.50 each, and they’re a really inexpensive way to try out different styles of nibs. And if you’re unsure if you’d like flexible nibs, you can’t beat dip pens! They can be much more flexible than even the vaunted nibs in vintage fountain pens (albeit a bit more scratchy and wear out much more easily). In fact, some calligraphers prefer dip pens to vintage flexy fountain pens!

Anyway, I needed something to put the ink in to use with my dip pens, but there aren’t any good antique stores near me. Inkwells can be really expensive, and I’d prefer to save my money to spend on more pens! I have the plastic vials for ink trading, but they’re too light and prone to tipping over. So, I was in my local Michaels the other day, and I found this:

Crystal taper candle holder, with J. Herbin Violette Pensée ink

Another view of the candle holder, aka my new inkwell!

These are crystal taper candle holders! They were on sale for buy one, get one free, at $1.99 (for two of them). They’re very solid, and are pretty heavy, so they won’t tip over easily. And they’re really pretty. And very, very inexpensive, so I can have several colors out at the same time! Yes, they don’t have a lid, but I figure I can just put plastic wrap over them when I’m not using them.

So, there you have it–inkwells on the cheap! I love a bargain, so I’m excited about these repurposed items!